If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, what should you do?

When your vehicle starts to overheat, particularly while climbing a hill, one of the most effective immediate actions is to turn on the heater. This may seem counterintuitive, especially on warm days, but using the heater helps to draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. The heater acts as a secondary radiator, allowing the engine to cool down slightly, reducing the risk of severe overheating and potential engine damage.

Turning on the air conditioning would actually increase the load on the engine, which could exacerbate the overheating issue. Pulling over and stopping the engine can also be a viable option, particularly if the vehicle continues to overheat despite other measures. However, immediately turning on the heater can provide a temporary solution to help control the overheating as you safely make your way to a stop. Continuing to drive at high speed only puts more strain on the engine, worsening the situation and increasing the likelihood of overheating.